Observed Signal · Jul 5, 2026 · Audience Measurement · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Tour de France outscores Formula 1 on RTL
DWDL reports TV audience figures for July 4, 2026: RTL's Free-TV broadcast of the Formula 1 qualifying averaged 0.55 million viewers (6.2% market share overall; 6.2% among 14–49; 5.3% among 14–59), while the Tour de France first stage — simulcast on Das Erste and Eurosport — drew larger audiences. Das Erste averaged 0.92 million viewers (8.7% overall; 11.4% among 14–49). Eurosport reached roughly 200,000 viewers (1.9% overall; 2.1% among 14–49). Sky's pay-TV F1 audience was about 0.26 million, with an 8.4% share in the 14–49 demo. The AGF Videoforschung (AGF SCOPE) provided the preliminary, weighted TV measurement data.
Provides concrete TV audience and market-share figures for major sports broadcasts; relevant to broadcasters, media buyers and linear-TV ad inventory valuation and scheduling.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- RTL's Free-TV broadcast of the Formula 1 qualifying averaged 0.55 million viewers and a 6.2% market share (overall).
- RTL's Formula 1 qualifying had a 6.2% share among 14–49-year-olds and 5.3% among 14–59-year-olds.
- Sky's F1 coverage reached ~0.26 million viewers; the 14–49 market share on Sky was 8.4%.
- Das Erste's broadcast of the Tour de France first stage averaged 0.92 million viewers with an 8.7% overall share and 11.4% among 14–49.
- Eurosport's Tour de France transmission attracted ~200,000 viewers (1.9% overall; 2.1% among 14–49); the 'Velo Club' follow-up drew ~20,000 viewers (~0.1% share).
Connected Companies & Entities
9 Entities mapped“Bei Sky sahen zwar insgesamt deutlich weniger zu, die Gesamt-Reichweite lag bei nur 0,26 Millionen....”
“Im Ersten verfolgten im Schnitt 0,92 Millionen Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer die erste Etappe....”
“Bei Eurosport sahen unterdessen rund 200.000 Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer die Übertragung der ersten Etappe....”
“Top 5 Marktanteile (alle Zuschauer) 16,6 % — ZDF...”
“Quelle der Daten für diesen Artikel: AGF Videoforschung...”
“Alexander Zverev etwa hatte einen Auftritt bei Wimbledon, der bei Prime Video zu sehen war...”
“Bei Sky sahen zwar insgesamt deutlich weniger zu, die Gesamt-Reichweite lag bei nur 0,26 Millionen....”
“Mit der Übertragung des Formel 1-Qualifyings im Free-TV konnte RTL am Samstagnachmittag überhaupt nicht punkten....”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Tour de France Tops 20% TV Market Share
ARD and Eurosport together achieved more than a 20% market share among younger viewers on Friday during the 13th stage of the Tour de France. The live broadcast on Das Erste averaged 1.06 million viewers across almost four hours, delivering a 13.0% share in the total audience and 16.5% among 14–49 year‑olds. Eurosport 1’s parallel live feed contributed an additional 4.1% share with an average of about 200,000 viewers, bringing the combined young‑audience share above 20%. After the race, Das Erste’s quiz show “Gefragt – gejagt” rose to 1.93 million viewers (17.4% total share) and also performed strongly with younger viewers. ZDF’s afternoon programming performed well independently, with “Bares für Rares” and a “Rosenheim-Cops” repeat posting high reach and double‑digit market shares. All audience figures are credited to AGF SCOPE / AGF Videoforschung (preliminary weighted data).
Alpe d’Huez Arrival Boosts Tour de France TV Ratings
The Tour de France stage finishing in Alpe d’Huez produced significant TV audience increases in Germany: Das Erste drew 1.42 million viewers (16.7% market share) and strong youth ratings, while Eurosport reached 470,000 viewers with a 9.2% share among 14–49-year-olds. Other evening programs on ZDF and Das Erste posted varied results, with ZDF’s "Der Alte" reaching 3.71 million (22.0%). Audience measurement data cited in the article come from AGF SCOPE 1.15 (AGF Videoforschung). The piece reports detailed ratings and market-share figures for 24 July 2026, highlighting the value of live sports for linear broadcasters and advertisers.
Formula 1 Scores Strong Ratings, NFL Struggles on RTL
On Sunday, RTL's Formula 1 broadcast outperformed its NFL coverage, drawing 1.49 million viewers and a 16.7% audience share among 14-49 year-olds for the Spanish Grand Prix. Sky's F1 coverage also performed well, with 17.3% share. In contrast, the NFL season opener between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans attracted only 350,000 viewers for the first quarter, with a 5.7% share in the target demographic. Ratings improved slightly later in the game but remained below RTL's average. The NFL also aired a German-language conference on Nitro, drawing 190,000 viewers. Data sourced from AGF Videoforschung.
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